Last night, the results of my dog's genetic testing arrived. I was not surprised to find out that there is no single, dominant breed in his genetic background - which means neither of his parents were purebred pups. Not surprising, as he was found as a stray on the side of a highway in Michigan. I WAS surprised and shocked however to find that he is a non-majority mix of the following breeds:

1. Dachshund (Hound Group)Not surprising on this front - he is overwhelmingly like a dachshund physically, meanwhile, displays very few of the typical dachshund personality characteristics.

2. Gordon Setter (Sporting Group)I know nothing of Gordon Setters - I hope this is the breed representation that explains his mostly mellow personality, as well as his loyalty, affection, determined natures, and deep eyes.

3. German Shorthaired Pointer (Sporting Group)The more I look, the more I think that the Pointer is visible in my dog where I once assumed his "black labrador" roots were - eager to please, and friendly. I also find it ironic that I've been thinking about putting the GSP breed on my short list of second dog possibilities. I guess I sort of already have one.

And most disappointingly of all of them...showing up in a minority percentage...

4. PoodleI hate poodles. There is no nice way to say it, I just don't like them. I plan on ignoring all poodle characteristics and personality traits inherent in my dog's genetic makeup. That is all.

Most of all, I cannot believe this testing is even possible. Now at least I know what to tell people when they see him on the street and say, "aww, what kind of puppy is that?"